Devin Haney Attains Stardom in Hometown Victory
Almost eight years to the day after Devin Haney became a professional fighter, the San Francisco native attained stardom. That fact that he did so in front of a hometown crowd last Saturday night probably only served to make the moment sweeter for the 25 year old multi-divisional titlist. For there, before a packed crowd at San Francisco’s Chase Center, Haney completely outclassed talented WBC junior welterweight titlist Regis Prograis. While it was true that Haney was favored walking in to the pay per view event, no one expected the man to dominate the hard hitting Prograis so thoroughly. In a year where Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue mopped the floor with high caliber opposition, Haney helped wind down boxing’s 2023 by doing much the same against Prograis.
"I fulfilled all my promises," Haney confidently stated after his dominant victory over the weekend. And he certainly did. This is what sets Haney apart in his journey to the top: his ability to consistently back up his words. In many ways, Haney embodies a bygone era. He fearlessly takes on challenges with unwavering focus. In a time where social media trash talk boosts a fighter's popularity, Haney prefers to let his fists and world-class footwork do the talking.
Since 2019, Haney has faced a formidable list of opponents: Yuriorkis Gamboa, Jorge Linares, Joseph Diaz, Jorge Kambosos (twice), Vasyl Lomachenko, and now Regis Prograis. Each of these fighters has made a mark in the boxing world to some extent. Yet, Haney emerged victorious against every single one of them. While his intense battle with Lomachenko could have gone either way, Haney has never relied on controversial decisions to claim victory. With an undefeated record of 30-0, Haney has rightfully earned his place at the pinnacle of boxing by consistently pushing himself to the limit. It is clear that this rising star has achieved success the traditional way – through repeated displays of his skills and abilities.
“Haney is Good no doubt,” Ryan Garcia posted after Saturday’s bout, “but I know him all too well and I will beat him. Good stuff tonight congrats but this year we are going to run it!!!”
Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya appeared to fully support his fighter’s attempt to land a high profile Haney fight. “I’m going to push for @RyanGarcia vs @Realdevinhaney,”
De La Hoya claimed, “let’s go!!!!”
Although few would argue that Garcia would stand much of a chance should he meet Haney in the ring, the fact remains that popular fighters – and Garcia is nothing if not popular – are now well aware who sits atop the sport’s figurative Everest.
Other potential big name Haney opponents now have two choices – try to land a fight with the man or stand accused of ducking a serious threat. At this point, there really is no third option.
